Section 690-254 - Clearances and shelter holes(a) Specifications for clearances.--(1) Track switches, except room and entry development switches, shall be provided with properly installed throws, bridle bars and guard rails.(2) Switch throws and stands, where possible, shall be placed on the clearance side.(3) Haulage roads shall have a continuous unobstructed clearance of at least 30 inches from the widest extension of regular coal transportation equipment on the clearance side. On haulage roads where trolley lines are used, the clearance shall be on the side opposite the trolley lines. The clearance space on all haulage roads shall be kept free of loose rock, coal, supplies or other materials, provided that not more than 30 inches need be kept free of such obstructions.(4) Ample clearance shall be provided at all points where supplies are loaded or unloaded along haulage roads or conveyors.(b) Specifications for shelter holes.--(1)(i) Shelter holes shall be provided on the clearance side along designated travelways, which are also used as haulage entries, other than belt conveyor haulage entries.(ii) Subparagraph (i) shall not apply to face area or room haulageways.(2) Shelter holes shall be spaced not more than 105 feet apart unless otherwise approved by the department. Shelter holes shall be at least five feet in depth, not more than four feet in width, level with the roadway and at least four feet in height.(3) Crosscuts may be used as shelter holes even though their width exceeds four feet, and they shall be kept clear for a depth of at least six feet.(4) Shelter holes shall be kept clear of refuse and other obstructions.(5) Shelter holes shall be provided at switch throws and at manually operated permanent doors.2008, July 7, P.L. 654, No. 55, §254, effective in 180 days [ 1/5/2009].